CAREER SNAPSHOT
Summary
Social workers in the healthcare field help patients get the support and resources they need to recover from an illness or injury.
Career Level
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Salary
National average, per year
$49,470
JOB OPENINGS
Current national estimate
32,055
DEMAND OUTLOOK
Actual salaries can vary substantially based on region, job description and employer expectations; does not include additional compensation. Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: June 2019
OVERVIEW
Social Worker Job Description
Medical social workers are a vital part of the healthcare team. They help patients and their families deal with the issues that arise with illness and hospitalization. They help patients get the resources and services that they need.
Social workers in the healthcare field are dedicated professionals who make a positive difference in the world. They work in a variety of healthcare settings including hospitals, outpatient clinics, community health agencies, skilled nursing facilities, long-term care facilities and hospice homes. They enjoy the benefits of strong job outlook and opportunities for career growth and advancement.
Social Worker Job Responsibilities
Social workers may perform the following job duties. Actual duties may vary by job and location.
- Assess patient’s social, emotional, financial, environmental and support needs
- Discharge planning to determine patient’s needs
- Coordinate after-care services such as home health or finding a rehabilitation facility or nursing home
- Provide supportive counseling to patients and their families
- Arrange resources for patients with financial hardship
- Arrange home medical equipment and supplies
- Collaborate with other healthcare professionals regarding patient needs
- Facilitate proper care during and after hospitalization
Social Worker Salary
The actual salary of the social worker can vary substantially depending on region, job description and employer expectations. Most recent data shown.
National average per year: $49,470*
National average per hour: $23.79*
- $57,194 per year, $27.50 per hour**
- $56,909 per year, $27.36 per hour***
- $47,378 to $61,188 per year****
- $48,059 per year, $23.15 per hour*****
* Bureau of Labor Statics
** Indeed.com
*** Payscale.com
**** Salary.com
***** Glassdoor.com
Social Worker Career Pros and Cons
What are the ups and downs of being a social worker? Here are a few items to keep in mind.
Pros
- Variety of work settings to choose from
- Ability to make a positive impact on the lives of others
- Daily work varies
- Opportunity for career growth and advancement
- Many job openings available
- Strong job outlook
Cons
- Can be emotionally challenging
- May have to work irregular hours and evenings, weekends or holidays
- Often carry large and heavy caseloads
- May deal with emotionally difficult situations
CAREER PATH AND TRAINING
How Do I Become a Social Worker?
If you are considering a career as a social worker, here are the steps you will need to complete.
- Obtain your high school diploma/GED.
- Earn a bachelor’s degree (minimum requirement) in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This allows for entry-level positions.
- Earn a master’s degree in social work for more advanced-level career opportunities.
- Obtain state licensure which typically includes passing the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) licensing exam.
Suggested Career Path
The position of the social worker is in the middle of the medical career pathway, and can be preceded by entry-level or other mid-level jobs. A sample career path could look like this:
Caregiver > Social Worker > Psychologist
Typical Minimum Education
Actual requirements may vary by state. Please check with your state government.
- High school diploma / GED
- Bachelor’s degree in social work
Typical Work Experience Required
None
Typical Skills Required
Common skills listed. Actual skills required may vary by job and location.
- Ability to set professional boundaries
- Emotional intelligence
- Tolerance to the racial, socio-economic and ethnic differences of patients
- Social perceptiveness
- Service orientation
- Active listening skills
- Empathy and compassion
- Positive personality
- Strong desire to help others
- Excellent communication skills
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Patience
Social Worker Certifications
Certification is not a requirement for medical social workers. It is however, an indication that they have had experience working with patients and have met high national standards. These are the certifications that are available through the National Association of Social Workers (NASW):
- ACSW, Academy of Certified Social Workers (NASW)
- DCSW, Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (NASW)
- C-CATODSW, Certified Clinical Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drugs Social Worker (NASW)
- C-SWCM, Certified Social Work Case Manager (NASW)
- C-ASWCM, Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager (NASW)
- QCSW, Qualified Clinical Social Worker (NASW)
- CSW-G, Clinical Social Worker in Gerontology (NASW)
- C-SSWS, Certified School Social Work Specialist (NASW)
- SW-G, Social Worker in Gerontology (NASW)
- ASW-G, Advanced Social Worker in Gerontology (NASW)
- C-SWHC, Certified Social Worker in Health Care (NASW)
- CHP-SW, Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Social Worker (NASW)
- ACHP-SW, Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Social Worker (NASW)
- MVF-SW, Military Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families – Social Worker (NASW)
- MVF-ASW, Military Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families – Advanced Social Worker (NASW)
- MVF-CSW, Military Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families – Clinical Social Worker (NASW)
- C-CYFSW, Certified Children, Youth, and Family Social Worker (NASW)
- C-ACYFSW, Certified Advanced Children, Youth, and Family Social Worker (NASW)
- NHDP-BC, National Healthcare Disaster Professional, (ANCC)
Click on the certifications to find out more.
Social Worker Licenses
Each state has its own requirements and standards for licensure. This typically includes passing the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) licensing exam. Visit the ASWB website for information on individual state requirements.
Social Worker Training and Preparation
Earning a bachelor’s degree in social work is a great way to get started in the field. This allows for many entry-level positions which often have a more limited range of duties. Going on to earn a master’s degree however, will better prepare you in the career field and allow for more job opportunities.
Once you have earned your bachelor’s or master’s degree, most states require you to pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) licensing exam. There are many ways to prepare for the exam, allowing you to choose the methods that work best for you. There are many online sites that offer practice tests, practice questions and question banks. Review and exam prep books are other helpful tools. The ASWB website is a great resource as it offers exam content outlines, online practice tests and review books that you can purchase. This information can help you organize your studying and learn what you need to focus on.
Once you have gained some valuable work experience, obtaining a professional certification is a great way to show your expertise in a particular field of interest. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) has many certifications available in a wide array of specialties. There are certifications available for both bachelor’s and master’s trained social workers. Having one or more certifications may help you get jobs that other social workers cannot.
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